The phone is ringing at a number of security companies in Atlanta and across the country. It’s not necessarily about the use of security guards. It’s something much more involved that one security specialist has been promoting for years. It’s the need for an independent physical security risk assessment. The key word is “independent.”
If a company or organization strictly relies on its own internal observations and viewpoints, a critical vulnerability can be missed. An unknown solution may be available. Often, it’s the fresh perspective that opens the eyes to see the possibilities. Nothing new here but there is a trend that shows executives are warming up to the idea when it comes to security and risk. Yes, it’s likely prompted due to a takeoff in crime.
Historically, premises liability claims have narrowed down to the age-old allegation, that a property owner or employer “knew or should have known.” It speaks to a risk after a person has been the victim of a crime or wrongful act. It hits hard and is damning to an organization whether or not valid in part or whole. There is the external crime component that is likely pushing the call for physical security risk assessments but don’t rule out the forward-thinking company. The one that is neatly tucked away in suburbia that has no known threats, but wants to be proactive. Sort of like going to the dentist before a root canal is needed.
The definition and methods of performing a physical security risk assessment may vary from slightly to a great extent. In a common belief, the assessment may be limited to the inspection of only a few components (alarms, locks, etc.). For one security company in Atlanta, GA, the process is highly detailed, very thorough and clients are surprisingly pleased. The owner explains, “If you ask five different security specialists to perform an assessment, you’ll likely get some commonality; but ultimately you’ll receive five differing reports.” “Further, the cost can range from free to tens of thousands of dollars.”
The owner further states, “Consider a security vendor who offers a free assessment but bias to sell products may exist. Another company may be particularly strong in one area of an assessment, but lack in others. For example, they are technically proficient and can recommend a device with a unique feature. That’s good, but the time and effort in promoting technical solutions, can detract from missing a significant breakdown elsewhere.” After one organization experienced what they described as an exhaustive analysis by the owner’s company they proclaimed, “You did tell us it would be more than looking at cameras.”
This speaks to methodology. It’s important when considering the selection of a third-party to have them outline the methodology which will be used. Once this is done, a better competitive comparison can be made. Any company can provide references and qualifications, but what distinguishes one company from another? In this realm, it’s often in the data collection and questions posed to the client. In the end, the client finds that all providers are not created equal. For some, too late as they’ve regrettably said, “We should have chosen…”
One critical area that physical security risk assessments may fail to explore, is that of litigation. What if any, cases of past litigation have occurred. An astute company will also inquire if there is active or perceived future litigation? If litigation is active, a unique suggestion to the decision maker should be made. The suggestion could better protect the client and further add value to the project. In addition, the modern security specialist should pre-emptively offer to sign non-disclosure agreements.
So, for the client considering a physical security risk assessment, communicate clearly your goals and requirements. Then, listen for the questions asked by each company providing a bid. The questions asked can speak more to approach and detail. Much better than any self-promotion or grandiose claims of excellence.
Finally, how friendly is your physical security specialist? Is this important? Not in itself, but consider this –The people skills of your security specialist can equate to the ability to obtain and extract information during a project. One professional may pick up a piece of intelligence over another, simply because of skill and rapport. Thus, your friendly independent security assessment.